What is Anzac Day? Ways to get your kid involved

Anzac Day, marked on 25 April, is a national day of reflection for Australians and New Zealanders. It’s a chance to pause and honour the soldiers who served in wars - especially those who fought at Gallipoli - and to recognise the lasting impact war has had on so many families.

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For kids, Anzac Day might mean waking up early for a dawn service, watching parades, or baking Anzac biscuits. But beyond these traditions, it’s also an opportunity to talk about bravery, kindness, and looking out for one another. War can feel like a big, heavy topic, but explaining it simply and honestly helps children understand why we take this time to remember.

At its heart, Anzac Day is about respect – taking a moment to acknowledge the past, appreciate the present, and make sure these stories are never forgotten.

What is Anzac Day?

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ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – the soldiers from both countries who served together during World War I. It was first used in 1915 to describe the troops who landed at Gallipoli, but over time, it has come to represent all Australian and New Zealand service members.

The soldiers in this group became known as Anzacs, and their story is one of resilience. They faced incredibly tough conditions—rough terrain, extreme weather, and limited supplies—but they kept going, leaning on each other for support.

Because of their courage and determination, “Anzac” became more than just a name. It came to symbolise qualities like bravery, mateship, and looking out for one another—values that still hold meaning today.

Even now, the Anzac spirit is something Australians and New Zealanders take pride in. It’s a reminder of strength in tough times and the importance of standing together.

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The history of Anzac Day

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Anzac Day commemorations were first observed on 25 April 1916, exactly one year after Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli during World War I.

The Gallipoli campaign was one of the first major military actions for the newly formed Australian and New Zealand forces. The goal was to capture the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, but the mission did not go as planned.

For eight months, Anzac troops fought in tough conditions – steep cliffs, scorching heat, freezing nights, and constant enemy fire. Many soldiers lost their lives, and although the campaign wasn’t a success, the bravery and resilience shown by the Anzacs became legendary.

The way they supported each other in the face of hardship created a legacy that Australians and New Zealanders still honour today.

By 1916, Anzac Day had become a day of remembrance. Public ceremonies were held, and the tradition grew over the years.

After World War II, Anzac Day expanded to honour all Australians and New Zealanders who had served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.

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Why do we commemorate Anzac Day?

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Anzac Day is a time to stop and reflect on the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand soldiers. It’s about acknowledging the reality of war, the lives lost, and the families left behind.

Many of those who served never made it home, and those who did were often changed forever. By remembering them, we recognise not just their service, but also the impact war had – and continues to have – on so many.

Anzac Day is also about the values that emerged from those experiences – mateship, resilience, looking out for one another. While most of us won’t experience war firsthand, these are qualities that still hold meaning in our daily lives. They remind us to show up for each other, to keep going when things are tough, and to recognise the strength in community.

How is Anzac Day commemorated?

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Anzac Day is marked by several traditions that help people remember and honour those who have served. Some of these customs date back to the early 20th century, while others have developed over time.

The dawn service

One of the most significant parts is the Anzac Day dawn service, held in cities, towns, and war memorials across Australia and New Zealand.

It takes place at sunrise, symbolising the time of the original Gallipoli peninsula landing. The service usually includes prayers, hymns, speeches, and a moment of silence to reflect on the sacrifices made by Anzacs.

Wreath-laying ceremonies

Wreaths of red poppies and laurel leaves are laid at war memorials as a sign of respect during an Anzac Day ceremony.

Poppies have been associated with remembrance since World War I, and laurel leaves have traditionally symbolised victory and honour.

The last post and a moment of silence

A bugle call known as the Last Post is played at many Anzac Day commemorative services. It was originally used in the military to signal the end of the day, but in memorial services, it represents the final farewell to fallen soldiers.

After this, a minute of silence is observed to allow people to reflect and pay their respects.

Wearing red poppies and rosemary

People often wear red poppies on Anzac Day as a symbol of remembrance to Australian and New Zealand troops.

This tradition began after World War I, when red poppies were the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of Europe. Rosemary is also worn, as it has long been associated with memory and was found growing on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Anzac Day marches

Anzac Day parades are held across Australia, featuring veterans, current service members, and their families. These marches give communities a chance to show their appreciation and respect for those who have served.

How can kids participate in Anzac Day?

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Kids often hear about Anzac Day (especially in school), but they might not fully understand what it’s all about.

They know about the dawn services and parades, but helping them take part in a meaningful way can make it more real for them. There are plenty of simple, hands-on ways to teach them about the Anzacs and why we remember them.

Attending a local Anzac Day service

Heading to a dawn service or local ceremony is one of the most meaningful ways families can mark Anzac Day – yes, even if it means coaxing everyone out of bed while it’s still dark.

A quick chat beforehand can help little ones understand why people gather so early to remember the soldiers. Watching the wreath-laying and hearing the Last Post can be surprisingly moving, even for kids.

Making Anzac biscuits at home

Baking Anzac biscuits is a fun and tasty way to connect with history.

These biscuits were originally made and sent to soldiers during World War I because they were easy to transport and stayed fresh for a long time.

Simple Anzac biscuit recipe:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup desiccated coconut
• 125g butter
• 2 tbsp golden syrup
• ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 2 tbsp boiling water

1. Preheat oven to 160°C and line a baking tray with paper.
2. Mix oats, flour, sugar, and coconut in a bowl.
3. Melt butter and golden syrup in a saucepan.
4. Dissolve bicarbonate of soda in boiling water and add to the butter mixture.
5. Pour into dry ingredients and mix well.
6. Roll into small balls, place on the tray, and flatten slightly.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.

Learning about history through books and stories

Reading books about Anzac Day is a great way for kids to understand its significance. Some age-appropriate books include:

• Anzac Ted by Belinda Landsberry (for younger readers)
• My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day by Catriona Hoy
• Lest We Forget by Kerry Brown

Writing letters or drawing pictures

Kids can write thank-you letters or draw pictures for veterans, which can be sent to local RSL clubs or aged care homes.

This small act of kindness helps children connect with the real people behind the history.

Wrapping it up

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For many of us, Anzac Day is woven into childhood memories. We remember hearing stories from grandparents, clutching our eyes closed for the minute of silence, and baking Anzac biscuits in the kitchen.

These simple traditions help us pass the meaning of the day down to our children, just as it was passed down to us.

Because more than anything, Anzac Day is about remembering. It’s about honouring the past while assuring its lessons and values live on in the generations to come.